Sinister [2012] ★★

In this watchable but instantly forgettable horror movie, Ethan Hawke plays a true-crime writer who moves his family into a house with a dark past, without telling his wife (Juliet Rylance) and kids (Michael Hall D’Addario, Clare Foley) that bit of information. Why? He wants to write a book about the events that took place in that house years ago. “This could be my In Cold Blood,” he says. Not so fast buddy. Despite a few spooky scenes, the movie never rises above the routine. You know the drill: plenty of “Boo” moments that add up to nothing. Damn shame, especially if you’re a fan of Ethan Hawke who clearly deserves better than this. But in case you decide to watch it, do so when you have nothing better to do.